UAE zoo celebrates successful breeding of endangered gazelle

Abu Dhabi: The Al Ain Zoo in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully bred Speke`s gazelle, following the introduction of two male gazelles from Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre in Dubai.

The Speke`s gazelle is classified as an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, issued in September 2008.

Al Ain Zoo`s Speke`s gazelle herd appeared to be derived from a founder group with no new genetic contribution from new founders; therefore the zoo looked to introduce a new blood line in 2013 -- two male gazelles from Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre in Dubai.

After careful coordination between the two organisations, the two gazelles arrived at Al Ain Zoo, initially housed under quarantine conditions for approximately one month, and then introduced to two separate groups of adult females with the purpose of overcoming in-breeding issues and improving the genetic diversity at the zoo.

Adult females were divided into two groups and each male gazelle was introduced to a separate group. Almost one year since the introduction, the zoo`s Speke`s gazelle population increased from 18 to 30, indicating a successful breeding of 12 newborns from both breeding groups.
"Al Ain Zoo has long been committed to wildlife preservation and conservation and collaborating with many organisations that are aligned with our cause helps us work towards a shared goal. The successful breeding of the Speke`s gazelle supports the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed for the UAE to become a leader in environmental sustainability and wildlife protection, including of desert species," Muna Al Dhaheri, chief executive of education and conservation, was quoted Monday as saying.

The zoo has successfully introduced conservation and breeding programmes for a number of species over the past decades, including oryx, gazelle, the Arabian leopard and the Houbara bustard.